COACHING PHILOSOPHIES
Coaching Philosophies
Our coaching philosophy emphasises skill improvement and doing one's best.
We have adopted a competitive orientation that focuses on performance relative to self and improving one's skills. This is in contrast to an emphasis on winning. 'A focus on performance relative to self has been found to lead to increased persistence and effort and is under the swimmer's control. This allows all swimmers to experience success, as success is measured only against themselves.'
The emphasis is on making technical improvements by encouraging 'task goal' setting as opposed to 'outcome goals'.
Example:
" I really want to improve my freestyle pull under the water, so that I am more streamlined and then I will go even faster."
Instead of:
" I want to get a gold medal in the 100m Freestyle event next week."
It is the primary purpose to develop skills, teach discipline and provide an enjoyable activity for the swimmers. This will lead to a continued interest in swimming and a platform for those who wish to continue to higher levels of competition.
LONG TERM SWIMMING DEVELOPMENT
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Success prior to the age of 14 is closely related to biological development, while success at senior elite level is as a result of many factors.
Late or average-age maturing athletes tend to stay in the sport longer.
Sporting preparation that coincides with the development at stages of physical maturation will result in better long-term improvements. Prior to the age of 12 the energy system which is developing most rapidly is the 'aerobic system'. Aerobic endurance based training may be the single most important component of success throughout the career of an athlete. Positive experiences are the key to the acquisition of one's physical capabilities. Physical preparation is a major prerequisite for skill development.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Good technique = high efficiency. It is important to know the difference between technique and style. Skills develop from 'learning' to 'perform with speed under pressure'. The level of physical preparation impacts on skill acquisition. Motor development and the complexity of a skill will affect learning.
PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
Maintaining motivation requires developing psychological skills within the context of the swimmer's rationale for participation. Age-group swimmers are not 'little senior swimmers' and senior swimmers are not 'bigger age-group swimmers'. Success encourages high self-esteem. Positive reinforcement instills a sense of success. Psychological skills should improve with training and practice when applied in a positive environment. The emotional state of children is unpredictable and sometimes can be altered very quickly.
